In Dedication To…
Posted by ajmoreland
As participants in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, we have the opportunity of riding in memory of a fellow EMS brother or sister that was killed in the line of duty and subsequently will be honored at the National EMS Memorial Service in Colorado Springs, CO. Riders choose these EMS personnel either before the bike ride or upon riding. During the eight day trek, the rider will wear dog tags with the LODD EMT or Paramedic inscribed on it and present them to the family on the final day of the ride.
AJ has chosen fallen EMS brother Paul Boyer of Fort Bragg EMS. Paul’s information is below:
Paul Ivan Boyer III, 54, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2009, while performing a job that he loved. Born in York County Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Paul and Eleanor (Crowther) Boyer. He served three years active duty in the U.S. Army and served in both the Army and Navy reserves. Among his many accomplishment, Paul was an Eagle Scout, a 1974 graduate of York VoTech, attended Durham County Community College, receiving his paramedic certificate and June of 2009, passed the National Registry Paramedic exam. Prior to moving to moving to North Carolina, he was a law enforcement officer in West York, Glen Rock, and Red Lion and was a firefighter I for Reliance Fire Company, where he was a life member. He also drove an ambulance for Grantley Fire Company and White Rose Ambulance Service. After moving to North Carolina, he worked in several counties as a paramedic as well as an intermediate level. One of his most rewarding positions was driving a Pediatric Critical Care ambulance for UNC Hospital. Paul was currently employed with the Womack Army Medical Center/Fort Bragg EMS. He attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forrest, N.C., and was very involved with Men at the Cross and Promise Keepers. Surviving is his sister, Jan Boyer of Durham, N.C. and a host of friends and coworkers.
In addition to the qualifying LODD that we will be riding for, the Gulf Coast EMS Cyclists have chosen to ride for another Paramedic from the panhandle of Florida that lost his battle with medical issues. Even though William (Bill) Hartley was not killed in the line of duty, we would like to honor his dedication to both the public and the foundation he layed for EMS here in Northwest Florida. Bill’s information is Below:
William (Bill) Hartley, a Florida paramedic since 1978, passed away on September 26, 2009. Bill served as a paramedic with Escambia County EMS, Tallahassee Community Hospital Critical Transport Team, Sacred Heart Neonatal Transport Team, and the FL-1 DMAT. He also worked in the Florida Bureau of EMS and has served on many technical assistance panels for the state, helping to define and enhance the EMS profession in Florida. Bill spent the last years of his life teaching EMT’s and paramedics at Pensacola Junior College.
We have left the comment section of this page open for all family and friends to share with us something special they would like to write about our honorees. These comments will be transferred to banners to be attached to our bikes for 600 miles.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
A.J and team as you embark on your journey please know that you are in the prayers of many at Trinity United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC. May God travel with you and protect you.